FEBRUARY 2010 - Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publication Trust

The drama “Bhakta Tukaram” enacted by thestudents of Brindavan Campus of the universityshowcased the nobility of character of this greatdevotee of Lord Vitthala.Bhagavan to Sai Kulwant Hall when He cameto grant the bliss of His Darshan to devoteesin the hall at 5.30 p.m. The drama began atabout 6.00 p.m. after Bhagavan was seatedon the dais. In this drama, main incidents fromthe life of Tukaram, an ardent devotee of LordVitthala, were presented which highlightedthe nobility of Tukaram’s character and hisdeep yearning for the Lord. It also showcasedhis main teachings contained in his immortalAbhangs (verses) which taught how mancould make his life noble and sublime andovercome all trials and tribulations of life bydeep love and unfl inching faith in God. Theopening scene itself, set in the backdrop of amagnifi cent temple, created an aura of divinitywhich enveloped the entire proceedings of thiswell-enacted and well-directed drama on thelife of this illustrious devotee of Maharashtra.Interspersed with thrilling dances and wellrenderedAbhangs of Tukaram, the dramacreated a lasting impression on the audienceand showed how Lord Vitthal himself cameto the rescue of Tukaram when he wassubjected to injustice by evil doers. Fabuloussets, excellent make-up, colourful costumesand perfect choreography added to the valueof the drama. At the conclusion of the drama,Bhagavan blessed the cast, rewarded themwith a photo session and distributed clothesto them. The drama came to a close at 7.15p.m. with Arati to Bhagavan after distributionof Prasadam.Makara Sankranti and Prize DistributionFunctionsOn 14th January 2010, the auspicious dayof Makara Sankranti, Bhagavan came to SaiKulwant Hall at 4.45 p.m. in a grand processionled by the fl ag bearers squad of students andbrass band of Prasanthi Nilayam Campus ofthe university. The hall on this occasion wasbeautifully decorated and a large number oftrophies and prizes were displayed on the daisfor awarding to the winners of various eventsin the Sports and Cultural Meet 2010 of theuniversity. The function began after Bhagavaninaugurated it by lighting the sacred lamp onthe dais at 5.00 p.m.At the outset, Sri Sanjay Sahni, Principal,Brindavan Campus of the university offeredSankranti greetings to all and welcomedthem to the prize distribution function of theuniversity. Referring to Makara Sankranti as animportant festival in Indian calendar, Sri Sahniobserved that Sankranti signifi ed not only thechange in the direction of the sun towards northbut change of man’s mind towards God. Thenext speaker was Prof. Vishwanath Pandit,Vice Chancellor, Sri Sathya Sai University.Referring to the sports and cultural events of11th January 2010, Prof. Pandit observed thatthese events not only showed the remarkablequalities of courage, confi dence and skill of thestudents but also their love and dedication fortheir Revered Chancellor, Bhagavan Sri SathyaSai Baba who has made sports and culturalevents as part and parcel of the curriculumof the university. In conclusion, Prof. PanditFebruary 2010 55